McDonough District Hospital is offering free at-home colorectal cancer screening kits during March, which is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The Hemoccult-ICT test kits can be picked up at several locations including the MDH Drive-Thru, MDH Convenience Clinic, MDH Family Clinic, and Bushnell Family Practice. Completed test cards can be returned to the Drive-Thru or mailed back to the hospital’s laboratory.
Test results will be sent to the patient’s primary care provider. For those without a provider, results will go to the MDH Family Clinic. Patients using the MDH Patient Portal will also have access to their results online.
Patients are encouraged to discuss any follow-up options with their providers. Colonoscopies are available locally at McDonough District Hospital by Dr. Timothy Biagini, a gastrointestinal specialist, and Dr. Olivia White, a general surgeon.
The American Cancer Society projects that nearly 109,000 new cases of colon cancer will be diagnosed in 2026 across men and women in nearly equal numbers. A recent report from the ACS states that three out of four colorectal cancer cases among adults under 50 are detected at an advanced stage. Nationally, colon cancer ranks as the third most common cancer for both men and women and is now the leading cause of cancer-related death for adults under 50 as well as the second leading cause overall.
“When you’re talking about doing a screening, the best test is the one that gets done. People are getting diagnosed with colon cancer at a younger age. The Hemoccult ICT test kit is a free screening tool we have offered for several years at MDH. They’re readily available, easy to use, and the results will get sent directly to you,” said Dr. Biagini. “Also, if you have a family history of colon cancer, make sure you talk with your primary care provider about the benefits of this free screening tool.”
The Hemoccult-ICT kit checks for blood in stool samples collected at home without dietary restrictions; instructions are included with each kit. This screening method does not diagnose colorectal cancer but can detect bleeding from the lower gastrointestinal tract as an early warning sign.
Those aged 45 or older or who have personal or family histories of colorectal cancer or polyps are advised to consider participating in this screening program.
Free test kits must be returned by April 13. The MDH Drive-Thru operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.
